Cheap flights from Ethiopia

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia is a country located in the Horn of Africa. It is bordered by Eritrea to the north and northeast, Djibouti and Somalia to the east, Sudan and South Sudan to the west, and Kenya to the south. With about 87.9 million inhabitants, Ethiopia is the second most populous landlocked country in the world, and the second most populated nation on the continent. It covers a total land area of 1.1 million square kilometres, while its capital and largest city is Addis Ababa.

Ethiopia is a multilingual society with around 80 ethnic groups, with the largest being the Oromo and Amhara. It is the second-oldest official Christian nation in the world after Armenia, while a third of its population is of Muslim heritage. It is also the origin of the coffee bean, while its culture – although a bit laced with Italy's (food) tradition, still remains pure and intact. The country has the biggest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa, holding a few of the oldest things in the world such as the Ge'ez script (one of the oldest alphabets still actively used in the world), the Ethiopian calendar, and the Negash, which is the oldest Muslim settlement in the continent.

Where to go

Aside from being a fascinating African leader and a strong and independent country, Ethiopia is also a land of natural contrasts – which also contribute to the various landscapes that can be visited in the country. Its western region alone is a fertile spot and a buffet of land and water forms: jungles, rivers, the largest cave and the largest continuous mountain ranges in Africa (Sof Omar), while to its north lies the world's hottest settlement (Dallol). Aside from the interesting terrains, Ethiopia also boasts of its colourful and robust architecture that is described as 'fairy tale-like': majestic, opulent, and simply stunning.

Ethnological Museum – Set within Hail Selassie's former palace and surrounded by the beautiful greeneries of Addis Ababa University's main campus, the Ethnological Museum is a sight to behold. It is one of the finest museums in Africa, built and designed to exhibit the history of the Ethiopian peoples, their culture, beliefs, and traditions all laid out from 'childhood' to 'death'. Most practises are represented, from birth, to marriage, to games, and traditional tales, down to burial structures and tombs, the museum has it all. Aside from the local Ethiopian displays, visitors may also check on the preserved bedroom, bathroom, and exorbitant changing room of Emperor Haile Selassie, complete with a bullet hole in his mirror courtesy of the 1960 coup d’état, and the vibrant hall focusing on religious art.

St. George Cathedral and Museum – Commissioned by Emperor Menelik II to commemorate his stunning 1896 defeat of the Italians in Adwa, and dedicated to St. George (Ethiopia's patron saint), the cathedral was completed in 1911 with the help of Greek, Armenian, and Indian artists. Empress Zewditu and Emperor Haile Selassie were both crowned here. Its traditional octagonal form and severe neo-classical style are duly notable features, as well as the sections of the ceiling that glow sky-blue and gilded golden stars. The outer walls are meanwhile covered with paintings and mosaics by artists such as the renowned Afewerk Tekle.

Holy Trinity Cathedral – Off Niger Street this massive and ornate cathedral is the second-most important place of worship in Ethiopia, ranking behind the Old Church of St. Mary of Zion in Aksum. It is the celebrated final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie and his wife, Empress Menen Asfaw; their massive Aksumite-style granite tombs sit inside for travellers to catch. The exterior has a large copper dome, spindly pinnacles, numerous statues and a mix of international styles – providing a glimpse of the many episodes of Ethiopia's history. Inside are grand murals depicting various scenes from the Bible.

From Ethiopia, travellers may experience and travel the many other sights in Africa through the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. The airport is well connected to many of its neighbours, including Kenya, DR Congo, Gabon, Zambia, Angola, Niger, and many others.

Similarly, travellers may cover a vast range of long haul destinations when coming from Ethiopia, as it is well connected to Europe, North America, South America, and Asia. Currently, the country has no flights connecting it to Australia, but the airport authorities are working on adding the said continent to the roster.

How to get out

The best way to get out of Ethiopia is through the Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa. The airport is the largest airport serving the capital of Ethiopia, and has handled at least 150 flights per day. Non-stop services to Asia, Europe, and North and South America are being held on the airport, and an estimated 6.5 million passengers (2012) have been served here.